Umbrella backpack and deployment mechanism

ABSTRACT

An umbrella deployment mechanism includes: a housing contained within a backpack; a frame associated with the housing and deployable between a first position in which the frame is located within the backpack and a second position in which the frame is elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated with the frame and deployable between a first position in which the canopy is located within the backpack and a second position in which the canopy is elevated above the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/550,437 filed Oct. 23, 2011 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/150,087 filed Jun. 24, 2011.

BACKGROUND

The present subject matter relates generally to an umbrella backpack and associated deployment mechanism.

Umbrellas and are well known, as are their uses, whether for rain protection, sun protection, or fashion. One significant disadvantage to the common umbrella is that, in use, it necessarily occupies at least one of the user's hands. Another disadvantage is that people regularly find themselves without an umbrella when it is most needed.

In order to be more highly functional, there is a need for an umbrella that operates hands free and may be more readily available when needed by a user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to provide a user with the hands free use of an umbrella while obtaining maximum coverage from rain or sun, the present invention discloses an umbrella deployment mechanism that may be integrated with a backpack. By integrating the umbrella deployment mechanism within a backpack, the umbrella may be more likely to be on hand by a user when the need for the umbrella arises. For example, the umbrella backpack device may be particularly beneficial for people that routinely use backpacks for school, work, hiking, etc.

In one example, the deployment mechanism is a thin device that may be integrated with a backpack, whether into the backpack or adjacent thereto. The deployment mechanism contains a canopy that may be used as an umbrella. When launched, the deployment mechanism ejects the canopy out of the backpack and automatically positions it over a user's head. When desired, the canopy may be drawn or folded back into the deployment mechanism. For example, in one version, the canopy may be repacked into the backpack using a pull cord.

In one embodiment, the deployment mechanism may include a frame, a housing, and a folded canopy. The deployment mechanism may be launched by a release mechanism. Any of various release mechanisms may be used, such as a release button, a pull cord, air-inflation, etc. The release mechanism releases a plunger that releases the canopy to spring into an unfolded form. Torsion springs are used to push the canopy upward when the plunger is released. A shaft sits on top of the frame that includes rotating discs at either end. These rotating discs hold the ends of the arcs that are used to support the canopy portion of the umbrella.

The arcs that support the canopy are shaped in a way that allows them to fan outward automatically when they are released. The arcs fully support the canopy portion of the umbrella. A lock is located on the bottom portion of the frame, so when the deployment mechanism is released, it may remain in unfolded form for the desired amount of time and will remain stable. The pull cord may be used to pull the assembly back into the folded and locked position when desired. Other springs may be used to allow the arcs to be rotated and pulled inward when the pull cord is used to repack the umbrella.

In other embodiments, the canopy may be supported by other structures. For example, in one embodiment, the deployment mechanism may include one or more support poles. One or more sets of ribs may extend from each support poles to support the canopy. Accordingly, the canopy may be any of a number of various shapes and sizes, whether circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. In another example, the canopy may be supported by ribs that extend from each of the corners of the frame. In yet another example, the support structure for the canopy may be inflatable, for example, a quick inflating structure that may be pumped up or inflated using CO2 cartridges.

In one example, an umbrella deployment mechanism includes: a housing contained within a backpack; a frame associated with the housing and deployable between a first position in which the frame is located within the backpack and a second position in which the frame is elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated with the frame and deployable between a first position in which the canopy is located within the backpack and a second position in which the canopy is elevated above the frame. The deployment of the frame and the canopy may be triggered by a release mechanism, such as a pull cord, push button, or an inflation mechanism and may be controlled by one or more springs. The frame may include one or more support poles supporting the canopy. In some examples, the frame includes two extendable support poles adapted to deploy the canopy in response to the release mechanism. In another example, the frame includes one or more inflatable support poles adapted to deploy the canopy in response to a release mechanism. The canopy may include a plurality of ribs supporting the shape of the canopy. The ribs may be of varying length to support an irregular shaped canopy, for example, the front side of the canopy may be extended to better cover the head and body of the user.

In some examples, the housing is contained within an interior section of a backpack. In other examples, the housing is contained within an external section of the backpack. In still other examples, the backpack within which the housing is located is associated with a second backpack such that the backpack is adapted to be worn between a user's back and the second backpack.

An advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it allows for the hands free use of an umbrella with a backpack.

Another advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it may fully auto deploy with the press of a button or pull of a cord.

A further advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it may be retracted easily.

Yet another advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it is lightweight and is not burdensome to carry with a backpack.

Another advantage of the deployment mechanism is that it is easy to release and retract the umbrella.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the folded and unlaunched deployment mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folded and unlaunched deployment mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the launched and unfolded deployment mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of another deployment mechanism in a launched, but unfolded position.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the deployment mechanism from FIG. 4 in a launched and unfolded position.

FIGS. 6-12 are perspective views of other umbrella designs that may be employed with the deployment mechanism provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of an umbrella deployment mechanism for use with a backpack (deployment mechanism 10) according to the present invention. While the deployment mechanism 10 will be described in detail with respect to the drawing provided herein, it is understood that the teaching of the present disclosure may be embodied in a wide range of deployment mechanisms 10 and the examples provided herein are believed to be broadly illustrative, but not exhaustive. As shown in FIG. 1, the deployment mechanism 10 includes various elements that may be assembled together to create the functional deployment mechanism 10. Examples of various elements are described below with reference to the Figures.

As shown in FIG. 1, the deployment mechanism 10 includes a frame 12 that fits inside a housing 20. The frame 12 is generally rectangular in shape and includes two side protrusions 14, a bottom protrusion 16 and several openings 18. The two side protrusions 14 extend outward to the housing 20. The side protrusions 14 allow the deployment mechanism 10 to be aligned inside of the housing 20 when released. The bottom protrusion 16 attaches to a plunger 22, which holds the frame 12 inside of the housing 20 until it is deployed.

A pull cord 56 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) may be used to release the frame 12 and allow the deployment mechanism 10 to release the canopy 48. In an alternative embodiment, a push button or other release mechanism may be used to trigger the deployment mechanism 10. For example, the push button may be positioned on one of the shoulder straps on a backpack, and when pressed, removes the plunger 22 from the bottom protrusion 16 thus ejecting the canopy 48. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 12 also includes several openings 18 that are located at varying heights along the vertical centerline of the frame 12. These openings 18 may provide a path through which a pull cord 56 may be integrated with the frame. The use of the pull cord 56 is described further with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Also located on the frame 12 is a lock 26. The lock 26 sits on a pin 28 located on the lower portion of the frame 12. The lock 26 is used after the deployment mechanism 10 is launched, and holds the frame 12 so that it stays deployed. The bottom ridge of the lock 26 sits on top of the housing 20, as shown in the unfolded view of the deployment mechanism 10 in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the lock 26 may be a spring-loaded lock 26.

The frame 12 and housing 20 shown in FIG. 1 may be composed of a solid yet lightweight material such as plastic. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments the frame 12 and housing 20 may be composed of any other material that is suitable for the deployment mechanism 10, including various metals and composites. In the example shown in FIG. 1 the housing 20 includes a front and back portion that is screwed together. However in other embodiments it is contemplated that the housing 20 may be connected by other means or it may be one hollow structure. In still other examples, such as the frame 12 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the frame 12 may be hollowed out to be lightweight and better handle wind.

Turning back to FIG. 1, two springs 30 are also located inside of the housing 20. The springs 30 supply the force that propels the frame 12 upward to release the canopy 48. The force from the springs 30 may also assist the unfolding of the canopy 48. The springs 30 sit on top of mounts 32 that are located on either side of the frame 12, inside of the housing 20.

As further shown in FIG. 1, a shaft 34 is located atop the frame 12. The shaft 34 extends across the top of the frame 12 and includes rotation shafts 38 on either side. Each rotation shaft 38 connects to the end caps 36. The rotation shaft 38 allows for circular movement so that the portions of the canopy 48 that extend outward from the housing 20 may fan out and form the canopy 48 portion of the umbrella upon deployment. The end caps 36 facilitate the extension of the canopy 48, asserting outward force on the arcs 44. The arcs 44 function as ribs 44 to support the canopy 48.

At the end of each rotation shaft 38 are rotating discs 40. The rotating discs 40 are circular and sit around the ends of the rotation shafts 38. The rotation discs 40 connect to the arcs 44, and allow the arcs 44 to move freely around the rotation shaft 38. Rotations disc end caps 42 sit on either side of the outermost rotating discs 40. The rotation disc end caps 42 provide a barrier on the ends of the shaft 38 securing the rotating discs 40 to the shaft 38. The rotation disc end caps 42 may be securely connected to the ends of the shaft 38 so that they can withstand the outward force of the arcs 44 and rotation discs 40.

The rotating discs 40 connect to the arcs 44, so that there is a rotating disc 40 at each end of the arcs 44. The arcs 44 are the portions of the deployment mechanism 10 that support the canopy 48 of the umbrella. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the arcs 44 are spring-loaded such that they fan out automatically on release of the deployment mechanism 10. The arcs 44 rotate to spread outward thus allowing the canopy 48 to spread out fully. In the example shown in FIG. 1 there are four arcs 44, however it is contemplated that in other embodiments there may be any other number of arcs 44. In FIG. 1, three arcs 44 sit on the front of the deployment mechanism 10, and the fourth arc 44 sits on the other side of the deployment mechanism 10. However it is contemplated that in other embodiments the arcs 44 may be configured in any other arrangement so long as they may extend properly upon deployment.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the arcs 44 are different sizes so that the innermost arc 44 is the shortest, and the outermost arc 44 is the longest allowing them to stack appropriately. In FIG. 1, the arcs 44 may be composed of any lightweight material capable of supporting a canopy 48.

As further shown in FIG. 1, a roller 46 is located on the outermost arc 44. The roller 46 facilitates the movement of the arc 44, so it may have a smooth transition upon ejection and retraction of the deployment mechanism 10.

As explained above, the innermost arc 44 is located on the back side of the deployment mechanism 10. However it is contemplated that the arcs 44 may be configured in any other arrangement, as long as they may be extended properly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deployment mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 1. The example shown in FIG. 2 illustrates how the side protrusions 14 fit inside the housing 20. FIG. 2 also gives a more detailed view of the shaft 34. This example illustrates how the rotating shafts 38 fit inside the end caps 36. The pulley 24 also includes an opening, through which the shaft 34 passes through. The example in FIG. 2 also illustrates how a portion of the housing 20 extends over and around the shaft 34, thus protecting those moving parts from interfering with other elements of the deployment mechanism 10 such as the canopy 48 or the backpack.

As shown, the housing 20 fits around the frame 12 on both sides of the deployment mechanism 10. A portion of the housing 20 also fits around the springs 30, thus protecting the springs 30 from interfering with other elements of the deployment mechanism 10. In the example shown the rotation disc end caps 42 are rounded.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the deployment mechanism 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in unfolded form after deployment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the frame 12 is deployed and is being held above the housing 20 by the lock 26. The plunger 22 has been disengaged and the springs 30 have propelled the frame 12 upward. The example shown in FIG. 3 also demonstrates how the rotation shaft end caps 36 extend outward to the rotating discs 40. This motion forces the arcs 44 to fan out upward and allows them to support the canopy 48 portion of the umbrella.

As shown, once the frame 12 is deployed, the housing 20 is empty. As explained earlier, a pull cord 56 may be used with the deployment mechanism 10, in which case the pull cord 56 would extend down from the pulley 24 through the housing 20. As shown in FIG. 3, there is also an opening 18 in the housing 20, so that the pull cord 56 may pass through the opening 18 and be used by the person wearing the umbrella backpack.

As shown in FIG. 3, after deployment, the arcs 44 are positioned such that they are fanned out at an equal distance apart. However, it is contemplated that the arcs 44 may be in any arrangement as long as they are capable of supporting a canopy 48. Once the arcs 44 are extended outward after deployment, they may support a canopy 48 or any other material that may function as the covering portion of the umbrella.

The embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 is only one contemplated embodiment of the deployment mechanism 10 provided herein. There are numerous contemplated embodiments that may be employed. Another example of a deployment mechanism is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment of the deployment mechanism 10 may include a pair of support poles 52 that, when deployed (i.e. launched), extend from the frame 12 to place the canopy 48 above the head of the user. A cross bar 54 is shown connecting the two support poles 52 to provide structural support and retain the appropriate alignment and positioning of the support poles 52.

FIG. 4 further illustrates how the deployment mechanism 10 may be worn on a person and used with a backpack 50 and shows how the pull cord 56 may be positioned along one of the straps of the backpack 50. It is contemplated that the deployment mechanism 10 may be associated with the backpack 50 in any of a number of ways. For example, the deployment mechanism 10 may be incorporated into the interior portion of the backpack 50, may be a separate self-contained launcher bag (a secondary backpack 50) that may be worn between the (primary) backpack 50 and user's back, may be secured to an outer portion of the backpack 50, etc. In each instance, it is contemplated that the preferred embodiment of the deployment mechanism 10 is to be contained within a section of a backpack 50 (whether a primary backpack 50, secondary backpack 50, etc.) to conceal the deployment mechanism 10 when in a stored, or unlaunched/undeployed, condition. It is further contemplated that depending on the placement of the deployment mechanism 10, it may be advantageous to provide a padded layer of material between the housing 20 and the user to improve the user's comfort when wearing the backpack 50 including the deployment mechanism 10.

Turning to FIG. 5, the pull cord 56 may be used to launch the deployment mechanism 10. The deployment mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 5 is shown in a launched and unfolded position. As shown, the canopy 48 is supported by a set of ribs 44 extending from each of the support poles 52. The ribs 44 towards the front of the canopy 48 may be longer than the ribs 44 on the sides and rear of the canopy 48 to extend the canopy 48 over the head and body of the user. Of course, the canopy may be any of numerous shapes and designs, as described further herein.

Further, it is contemplated that the canopy 48 may be interchangeable such that the ribs 44 and canopy 48 may be replaceable to account for wind damage, wear and tear, etc. In addition, by utilizing a universal connector adapted to enable various types of canopies 48 to be used with a given deployment mechanism 10, the user may interchange the canopy 48 to suit a particular need or preference.

In the example shown, when the deployment mechanism 10 is contained within the backpack 50 prior to launch, the pull cord 56 is fully extended along the length of the shoulder strap of the backpack 50. Then, to launch the deployment mechanism 10, the user may allow the pull cord 56 to retract towards the top of the shoulder strap, enabling the spring-loaded deployment mechanism 10 to push the frame 12 upwards to deploy the canopy 48. Then, when the user wishes to repack the canopy 48 into the backpack 50, the user may pull the pull cord 56 back downward towards the lower portion of the shoulder strap of the backpack 50 to pull the canopy 48 shut and to pull the frame 12 into the backpack. Of course, in other embodiments, another release mechanism, such as a push button, may replace some or all of the functionality of the pull cord 56 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Alternatively, the deployment mechanism 10 may incorporate one or more inflatable elements (e.g., an inflatable canopy 48, as shown in FIG. 11) such that the release mechanism may include an air pump or other inflation mechanism (e.g., CO2 cartridges) for instant/rapid inflation.

FIGS. 6-12 illustrate additional contemplated embodiments of the canopy 48 and its support structure and deployment mechanism 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the canopy 48 is supported by four ribs 44 extended from the frame 12 by spring-loaded joints 40. In such an example, the canopy 48 may be packed within the backpack 50 and then, when the frame 12 deploys after the user activates the deployment mechanism 10 using the pull cord 56, the spring-loaded joints 40 extends the ribs 44 and deploys the canopy 48.

It is contemplated that in some of the embodiments, for example in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the canopy 48 deploys above the backpack 50 to a first elevated height, the canopy 48 unfolds, or otherwise activates for use, and then the canopy 48 retracts to a second elevated height, lower than the first elevated height, for use. Such an embodiment would help provide the canopy 48 a larger space to operate above the user's head while opening into the configuration for use. This may further enable the canopy to more fully enclose the space around the user's head without endangering the user during the deployment of the canopy 48.

FIG. 8 is another example of the style of canopy 48 shown in FIGS. 1-3.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the canopy 48 is first deployed to a position above the backpack 50 and then the user may reach back to the canopy 48 and pull it into position over the user's head. In such an example, the support poles 52 may be bent into a position that holds the canopy in a position and shape for use and then returned to a position appropriate for repacking the deployment mechanism 10 into the backpack 50. Accordingly, the extendable support poles 52 may further be bendable and retain some memory in shape such that the user may bend them into position to deploy the canopy 48.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, a single support pole 52 may be used to deploy the canopy 48 above the user's head. Much like the example shown in FIG. 7, the canopy 48 may deploy to a first height above the user's head, the canopy 48 may open, and then the canopy may retract slightly to move the canopy 48 closer to the user's head.

In the example shown in FIG. 11 the canopy 48 may be a plastic material including inflatable ribs 44. In this embodiment, the frame 12 itself may also be inflatable, though it is not required to be so. Such an example may be inflatable using an integrated pump, replaceable CO2 cartridges, or in any other manner one may inflate the canopy 48.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the ribs 44 may be bendable/foldable such that it is easy for a user to twist the ribs 44 and fold them into shape to be replaced into the backpack 50. Applying twisting forces to the ribs 44 may cause the canopy to collapse and be easily repacked.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. 

We claim:
 1. An umbrella deployment mechanism comprising: a housing contained within a backpack; a frame associated with the housing and deployable between a first position in which the frame is located within the backpack and a second position in which the frame is elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated with the frame and deployable between a first position in which the canopy is located within the backpack and a second position in which the canopy is elevated above the frame.
 2. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the deployment of the frame and the canopy is triggered by a release mechanism.
 3. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 2 wherein the release mechanism is a pull cord.
 4. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 2 wherein the release mechanism is a push button.
 5. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 2 wherein the release mechanism includes an inflation mechanism.
 6. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the frame includes one or more support poles supporting the canopy.
 7. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 6 wherein the frame includes two extendable support poles adapted to deploy the canopy in response to a release mechanism.
 8. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 6 wherein the frame includes one or more inflatable support poles adapted to deploy the canopy in response to a release mechanism.
 9. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein one or more springs control the deployment of the frame.
 10. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein one or more springs control the deployment of the canopy.
 11. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the canopy includes a plurality of ribs supporting the shape of the canopy.
 12. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 11 wherein the canopy includes ribs of varying length to support an irregular shaped canopy.
 13. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the housing is contained within an interior section of the backpack.
 14. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the housing is contained within an external section of the backpack.
 15. The umbrella deployment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the backpack is associated with a second backpack such that the backpack is adapted to be worn between a user's back and the second backpack. 